Zika Virus On the Move

January 29, 2016Alan Rothman

The World Health Organization is warning that a mosquito borne virus, Zika virus, is more than likely to spread to all countries in the America’s, with the exception of Canada and Chile. Now, two of the world’s biggest drug companies are evaluating whether existing vaccine technology could be used against the Zika virus

The virus is especially a threat to women, due to the fact that it has been linked to brain deformities in babies. The disease is said to have infected 1.5 million people since its outbreak in Brazil and rapid spread around the world.

Zika is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is the same mosquito that is also known to carry the dengue, yellow fever and Chikungunya viruses. So far, there is no vaccine or treatment for Zika, which typically causes mild fevers and rashes, although about 80% of those infected show no symptoms. Due to the fact that there is no treatment or vaccine, this issue would need to be addressed through clinical trials as soon as possible.